Elder Planning Counselor Designation Program
Desk Reference Module 1 – Aging & Health Issues
Contents at a Glance
OVERVIEW OF THE EPC DESIGNATION PROGRAM
OUR GOAL
WHY EARN YOUR EPC DESIGNATION?
ARE YOU READY FOR THE "REVOLUTION OF LONGEVITY"?
THE INITIATIVE OFFERS YOU
CONTINUING EDUCAITON CREDITS
CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
THE CURRICULUM
THE EPC DESK REFERENCE MANUALS
ELDER FACTS
WHAT IS GERONTOLOGY?
ELDERS EXPECT MORE
WHAT DOES THE 50+ POPULATION EXPECT FROM YOU
COMMUNICATING WITH ELDERS
FUTURE TRENDS
MULTIDISCIPLINARY OPPORTUNITIES...... XVII
YOU HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Chapter 1 - Situation Critical - Our Population Is Aging……………….19
1 - 1 KEY OBJECTIVE OF THIS CHAPTER
1-1.1 How Will This Objective Be Achieved?
1 - 2 INTRODUCTION
1-2.1 Definition Of An Elder
1 - 3 DEMOGRAPHICS TRENDS
1-3.1 Life Expectancy At Birth
1-3.2 Factors Driving Improvements In Life Expectancy
1-3.3 Median Age
1-3.4 Population Age Structure
1-3.5 Growth Of Elder Population - By Province
1-3.6 Dependency Ratios
1-3.7 Gender And Age
1-3.8 Report Of The 2008 World Assembly On Aging:
1 - 4 THE "OLD" OLD
1-4.1 Canada's Centenarians
1-4.2 Profile Of Canada’s Centenarians
1-4.3 Elder Life Experiences
1-4.4 Elder Cohorts
1 - 5 HEALTH & ELDERS
1-5.1 Chronic Conditions
1-5.2 Health Care And The "Old" Old
1-5.3 Health Care Expenditures
1 - 6 ECONOMIC PROFILE OF CANADIAN ELDERS
1-6.1 Elder Income
1-6.2 Economic Well-Being8
1-6.3 Low Income Cut Off
1-6.4 Widowhood – The Impact On Income
1-6.5 Sources Of Income
1-6.6 Elder Wealth
1-6.7 Debt......
1-6.8 Elder Spending
1-6.9 Elders And Bankruptcy – A Troubling Trend
1 - 7 ELDER WISDOM
1-7.1 Cognitive Impairment
1 - 8 IMPLICATIONS FOR CANADIAN SOCIETY
1 - 9 SOME FINAL THOUGHTS8
1 - 10 REFERENCES
Chapter 2 - Principles, Progression & Effects Of Aging……………….51
2 - 1 KEY OBJECTIVE OF THIS CHAPTER
2-1.1 How Will This Objective Be Helpful?
2 - 2 INTRODUCTION
2 - 3 GERONTOLOGY – THE STUDY OF AGING
2 - 4 WHY WE AGE?
2-4.1 Aging Theories
2-4.2 Programmed Theories
2-4.3 The Hayflick Limit Theory
2-4.4 Error Theories
2-4.5 The "Wear And Tear" Theory
2-4.6 Rate Of Living5
2-4.7 Cross Linking
2-4.8 Free Radicals6
2-4.9 Error Catastrophe...... 56
2-4.10 Somatic Mutation...... 56
2 - 5 NORMAL AGING
2-5.1 Physical And Biological Aspects Of Aging:
2-5.2 Psychological Aspects Of Aging:
2-5.3 Social Aspects Of Aging:
2 - 6 The Aging Process
2-6.1 The Outward Signs Of Aging
2 - 7 PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES
2 - 8 CHANGES IN THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
2-8.1 Strategies To Address Poor Circulation
2 - 9 CHANGES IN THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
2 - 10 CHANGES IN THE MUSCULATURE SYSTEM
2 - 11 CHANGES IN THE SKELETAL SYSTEM
2 - 12 CHANGES IN THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
2 - 13 CHANGES IN THE GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
2-13.1 Encouraging Proper Gastrointestinal Function
2 - 14 CHANGES IN THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
2 - 15 SENSORY CHANGES
2 - 16 TOUCH
2 - 17 TASTE AND SMELL
2-17.1 To Help The Elder Enjoy Mealtime:
2 - 18 VISION
2-18.1 Presbyopia (Prez-Bee-Oh-Pee-Uh)
2-18.2 Floaters
2-18.3 Tearing
2-18.4 Eyelid Problems
2-18.5 Conjunctivitis
2-18.6 Dry Eye
2-18.7 Night Vision Impairment
2-18.8 Driving At Night … Safely
2-18.9 Peripheral Vision Impairment
2 - 19 EYE DISEASES AND DISORDERS
2-19.1 Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Amd)
2-19.2 Dry Macular Degeneration
2-19.3 Wet Macular Degeneration
2-19.4 Glaucoma
2-19.5 Cataracts
2-19.6 Diabetic Retinopathy
2-19.7 Retinal Disorders
2-19.8 Low Vision
2-19.9 Tips For Communicating With Visually Impaired Elders
2 - 20 HEARING PROBLEMS
2-20.1 Common Signs Of Hearing Problems
2-20.2 Diagnosis Of Hearing Problems
2-20.3 Presbycusis
2-20.4 Tinnitus
2-20.5 Conductive Hearing Loss
2-20.6 Sensorineural Hearing Loss
2-20.7 Hearing Aids
2-20.8 Tips For Communicating With Hearing Impaired Elders
2 - 21 PROBLEMS WITH SLEEP
2-21.1 Changes In Sleep Architecture
2-21.2 Medical Problems That Affect Sleep
2-21.3 Other Factors That Affect Sleep
2-21.4 Ways To Promote Good Sleep
2 - 22 BARRIERS TO AGING WELL
2-22.1 Physical Isolation
2-22.2 Social Isolation
2-22.3 Spiritual: Solation
2-22.4 Mental And Emotional Isolation
2 - 23 AGING WELL
2-23.1 Healthy Aging
2 - 24 SOME FINAL THOUGHTS
2 - 25 REFERENCES
Chapter 3 - Understanding Chronic Conditions………………………...83
3 - 1 KEY OBJECTIVE OF THIS CHAPTER
3-1.1 How Will This Objective Be Achieved?
3 - 2 INTRODUCTION
3 - 3 CHRONIC CONDITIONS
3-3.1 Prevalence & Comorbidity In Canada...... 84
3-3.2 Most Common Chronic Conditions
3-3.3 Chronic Conditions That Most Often Lead To Hospitalization
3-3.4 Chronic Conditions That Most Often Lead To Death
3 - 4 CARDIOVASCULAR (HEART) DISEASE
3-4.1 Coronary Artery Disease
3-4.2 Identifying Coronary Artery Disease
3-4.3 Angina
3-4.4 Heart Attack
3-4.5 Hypertension – High Blood Pressure
3-4.6 Dealing With Hypertension
3-4.7 High Blood Pressure In Canada
3-4.8 Treatment Of Heart Disease
3 - 5 STROKE
3-5.1 Uncontrollable Risk Factors...... 95
3-5.2 Controllable Risk Factors...... 96
3-5.3 Warning Signs Of A Stroke (FAST)
3-5.4 Stroke And Gender
3-5.5 Stroke Treatment
3-5.6 Aspirin Therapy
3 - 6 CANCER
3-6.1 Modifiable Risk Factors
3-6.2 Probability Of Getting Cancer
3-6.3 Common Forms Of Cancer
3-6.4 Cancer Treatments
3 - 7 ENDOCRINE DISEASES
3-7.1 Diabetes
3-7.2 Symptoms Of Diabetes
3-7.3 Diabetes Treatment
3-7.4 The Cost Of Diabetes
3-7.5 Long-Term Complications Of Diabetes
3-7.6 Thyroid Conditions
3 - 8 DISEASES OF THE DISGESTIVE SYSTEM
3 - 9 RESPIRATORY DISEASES
3 - 10 ARTHRITIS
3-10.1 Common Warning Signs Of Arthritis
3-10.2 Treatments
3-10.3 Unproven Remedies...... 123
3 - 11 THE "GERIATRIC" TEAM
3-11.1 Geriatrician
3-11.2 Nurse
3-11.3 Physiotherapist
3-11.4 Occupational Therapist
3-11.5 Social Worker
3-11.6 Pharmacist
3-11.7 Dietician
3-11.8 Different Types Of Dieticians8
3 - 12 PAIN MANAGEMENT
3-12.1 Current Pain Treatments
3-12.2 Steps For Ensuring Adequate Pain Treatment
3-12.3 Canadian Law And Pain Management
3 - 13 MEDICATION MISUSE
3-13.1 What Causes Medication Misuse
3-13.2 Preventing Medication Misuse
3 - 14 TIPS ON MANAGING CHRONIC CONDITIONS
3-14.1 Practice Secondary Prevention
3-14.2 Learn To Pace Yourself
3-14.3 Stay Involved With Family And Friends
3-14.4 Identify And Use Existing Resources
3-14.5 Become A Wise Health Care Consumer
3 - 15 CONCLUSION
3 - 16 REFERENCES...... 137
Chapter 4 - Dementia & Our Aging Society.…………………………….141
4 - 1 KEY OBJECTIVE OF THIS CHAPTER1
4-1.1 How Will This Objective Be Achieved?1
4 - 2 INTRODUCTION1
4 - 3 DEMENTIA - AN OVERVIEW2
4-3.1 Changes In Cognition3
4-3.2 Changes In Personality And Behaviour3
4-3.3 Functional Loss4
4-3.4 The Most Common Forms Of Dementia5
4-3.5 Root Causes5
4-3.6 Risk Factors6
4 - 4 ALZHEIMER DISEASE (AD) - OVERVIEW6
4-4.1 Distinguishing Features7
4-4.2 Alzheimer Disease Stages7
4-4.3 Stage One (Mild Ad)8
4-4.4 Stage Two (Moderate Ad)...... 9
4-4.5 Stage Three (Severe Ad)...... 149
4-4.6 Early Warning Signs...... 151
4-4.7 Diagnosis...... 152
4 - 5 ALZHEIMER DISEASE – RISK FACTORS3
4-5.1 Age...... 153
4-5.2 Genetics...... 154
4-5.3 Diabetes...... 154
4-5.4 Down Syndrome...... 154
4-5.5 Mild Cognitive Impairment (Mic)4
4-5.6Low Levels Of Formal Education5
4-5.7 Other Risk Factors5
4-6 ALZHEIMER DISEASE – TREATMENT5
4-7 VASCULAR DEMENTIA6
4-7.1 Distinguishing Features6
4-7.2 Risk Factors...... 157
4-7.3 Treatment8
4-8 LEWY BODY DISEASE8
4- 8.1 Distinguishing Features8
4- 8.2 Risk Factors9
4- 8.3 Treatment9
4 - 9 PARKINSON'S DISEASE9
4- 9.1 Distinguishing Features60
4- 9.2 Risk Factors60
4- 9.3 Treatment61
4 - 10 CREUTZFELDT–JAKOB DISEASE
4-10.1 Treatment61
4 - 11 PICK'S DISEASE1
4-11.1 Treatment2
4 - 12 FAMILIAL ALZHEIMER DISEASE
4 - 13 REVERSIBLE DEMENTIA
4-13.1 Alcohol Associated Dementia
4-13.2 Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
4-13.3 Depression - "Pseudo-Dementia"
4 - 14 DEMENTIA MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES
4-14.1 Dementia Is Not Global - Until Late In The Disease
4-14.2 Enjoyment Does Not Require Memory
4-14.3 First In, Last Out - Last In, First Out
4-14.4 Reminiscing Is Beneficial
4-14.5 Stimulate But Do Not Overwhelm
4-14.6 Treatment Varies As Dementia Progresses
4-14.7 Sequential Regression Occurs With Dementia
4-14.8 Many Factors Affect How Dementia Manifests Itself
4-14.9 Dementia Affects More Than One Person
4-14.10 Solve Problems Creatively
4-14.11 Adapt The Environment, Not The Person
4-14.12 Create A Sense Of Importance
4 - 15 CREATING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
4-15.1 Tips To Reduce Home Hazards
4-15.2 Wandering
4-15.3 Reasons For Wandering
4-15.4 Types Of Wandering
4-15.5 Managing Wandering1
4-15.6 Wandering From Home
4-15.7 Tips For Reuniting
4-15.8 Medic Alert
4-15.9 When Home Is No Longer An Option
4 - 16 DEMENTIA AND DRIVING
4-16.1 Warning Signs
4-16.2 Help From Health Care Professionals
4-16.3 Other Sources Of Support
4-16.4 Easing The Transition
4-16.5 Tips To Help With The Decision
4 - 17 RESPONSIVE BEHAVIOURS
4-17.1 Depression
4-17.2 Mood Swings
4-17.3 Violence And Aggression
4 - 18 OTHER BEHAVIOURS
4-18.1 "Sundowning" Or Sundown Syndrome
4-18.2 Addressing Sundowning
4-18.3 Shadowing
4 - 19 CAREGIVING CHALLENGES
4-19.1 Caregiver Feelings
4-19.2 Coping Techniques
4-19.3 Getting Help
4-19.4 Respite Services
4 - 20 DEMENTIA AND COMMUNICATION
4-20.1 Improving Communication
4-20.2 Improving Listening Skills
4-20.3 Improve The Setting And Timing
4 - 21 PLANNING AFTER THE DIAGNOSIS
4-21.1 Basic Tips For Caregivers
4-21.2 Money Matters
4-21.3 Family Meeting
4 - 22 CONCLUSION1
4 - 23 REFERENCES2
Chapter 5 - Nutrition And Fitness……………………………………… 194
5 - 1 KEY OBJECTIVES OF THIS CHAPTER
5-1.1 How Will This Objective Be Achieved?
5 - 2 INTRODUCTION
5 - 3 KEYS TO A LONG LIFE
5-3.1 Jeanne Louise Calment
5-3.2 The Okinawans
5-3.3 The Hunzukuts
5-3.4 The Abkhasians
5-3.5 Psycho-Neuro-Immunology
5-3.6 Some Tips For Increased Longevity
5 - 4 ROADBLOCKS TO A LONG LIFE
5 - 5 YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
5-5.1 Carbohydrates
5-5.2 Fat
5-5.3 Protein
5-5.4 Water
5-5.5 Vitamins And Minerals
5-5.6 Enzymes
5 - 6 MODERN DAY FOOD CHOICES
5-6.1 Label Reading
5-6.2 Evaluating Health Claims
5-6.3 Genetically Modified Foods
5-6.4 Organic Foods
5 - 7 YOU ARE WHAT YOU DIGEST
5-7.1 The Mouth
5-7.2 The Stomach
5-7.3 The Small And Large Intestines
5-7.4 Vegetarianism
5 - 8 DIGESTIVE DISTURBANCES
5-8.1 Heartburn
5-8.2 Gas
5-8.3 Ulcers
5-8.4 Constipation
5-8.5 Digestive Disorder Summary
5 - 9 CAUSES OF POOR NUTRITION IN ELDERS
5-9.1 Disease
5-9.2 Multiple Medicines
5-9.3 Compromised Chewing
5-9.4 Mobility Issues
5-9.5 Poor Digestion
5-9.6 Economic Hardship
5-9.7 Reduced Social Contact
5-9.8 Depression
5 - 10 ELDER NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
5-10.1 Diet And Deficiencies
5-10.2 Nutrition Quiz
5-10.3 Nutritional Symptomatology
5 - 11 SUPPLEMENTING THE ELDER DIET
5-11.1 Digestive Enzymes
5-11.2 Hydrochloric Acid (Hcl)
5-11.3 Multivitamins And Minerals
5-11.4 Glucosamine Sulfate
5 - 12 THE VALUE OF ANTIOXIDENTS
5- 12.1 Alpha-Lipoic Acid
5- 12.2 Bilberry
5- 12.3 Coenzyme Q10
5- 12.4 Turmeric
5- 12.5 Flavonoids
5- 12.6 Garlic
5- 12.7 Glutathione
5- 12.8 Green Tea
5- 12.9Melatonin
5- 12.10 Vitamin C
5 - 13 DIET AND DISEASE
5 - 14 HEART DISEASE
5-14.1 Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
5-14.2.Colesterol
5-14.3 Atherosclerosis And Arteriosclerosis......
5 - 15 BLOOD SUGAR PROBLEMS
5-15.1 Hyperglycaemia
5-15.2 Hypoglycemia
5-15.3 Type II Diabetes
5 - 16 OSTEOPOROSIS
5 - 17 CANCER
5 - 18 SARCOPENIA
5 - 19 FITNESS AND ELDERS
5-19.1 Aerobic Exercise
5-19.2 Functional Fitness
5 - 20 ASSESSING AN ELDER’S HEALTH STATUS
5-20.1 Lean Body Mass
5-20.2 Strength
5-20.3 Basal Metabolic Rate (Bmr)
5-20.4 Body Fat
5 - 21 EXERCISE TIPS FOR ELDERS
5 - 22 DON’T OVER DO IT!
5-22.1 The Benefits Of Regular Physical Activity
5-22.2 Exercise Motivation
5 - 23 CONCLUSION
5 - 24 REFERENCES
Topical Index
Table Of Figures...... 265
1
OVERVIEW OF THE EPC DESIGNATION PROGRAM
Congratulations on taking the first step in achieving your Elder Planning Designation (EPC) offered by the Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies (CIEPS). Upon successful completion of the EPC Designation program, you will be in the company of over 2000+ professionals and individuals who, like yourself have dedicated the time required to take this program and achieve their EPC designation. Granted by the Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies since 2003, the EPC is the oldest and largest Canadian educational program for professionals working in a mature market.
Currently the program is in the 8th edition with a much different look than the previous versions. The program has been segmented into four different areas. This will allow many other professional disciplines to achieve their EPC Designation in segments over a period of time and at their own pace.
We are extremely pleased that you have made the decision to do what it takes to be recognized as a true “professional” who has taken the time to study and learn the needs of our elderly, and how to interact with them.
We would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some information about the Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies, and what benefits you can expect to achieve from this designation program.
OUR GOAL
Our goal is to enrich the knowledge and understanding of all professionals from the many disciplines in today’s society. Professions such as Insurance and Financial Advisors, Lawyers and Accountants, Doctors, Nurses, Healthcare workers, Caregivers, Nursing and Retirement Home owners, Funeral Home Directors and Real Estate agents will benefit through education by focusing upon the evolving and specialized needs of Canada’s citizens as they age. Eventually, any professional who works with elders will be exposed to the power of having their EPC Designation. .
The Canadian Initiative For Elder Planning Studies, believes that working with the maturing client involves a "total needs approach", and that these needs evolve from an individual's early wage-earning years and continue to change as the individual moves through the aging process.
Our Elder Planning Counselor curriculum is a comprehensive education program designed to recognize these needs and provide you with the essential knowledge and tools that are necessary to effectively develop proper rapport and practical solutions.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE “REVOLUTION OF LONGEVITY”? IT IS TAKING THE COUNTRY BY STORM
You already see the changes in advertising. The population is getting older and savvy businesses are adjusting to reach their audiences more effectively. It isn’t “survival of the fittest” as Darwin said. Those who survive will be those who can adapt.
You can adapt. When you do, your business or profession answers the questions that are being asked by your market. If you think today’s maturing market is answering the same questions as they asked in the 60s and 70s, you’ll become irrelevant.
But, that doesn’t have to happen. You can learn the questions – and the answers you need to be relevant, trusted and in demand. And, just like elders have changed the markets we work in, the EPC program changed the learning process too. The EPC program is a self-study program with a twist. You can study for yourself, but not by yourself.
WHY EARN YOUR EPC DESIGNATION?
A quote from Mr. Peter Wouters, Faculty Chair CIEPS
“Anyone interested in developing a specialty and acumen in the unique needs, wants and issues of today’s and tomorrows elder population will find this a very worthwhile program. We are confident that much of what you will learn you will not have picked up elsewhere, certainly not in a format geared to actionable items and developing deep meaningful relationships with elders, beyond the numbers and figuring out how much is enough.”
There seems to be some discussion among many professionals regarding the value of earning one or more of the many designations that are available to all disciplines, and of the benefits of promoting them, once they have been earned. While simply possessing designations does not guarantee either professional competency or quality of service, there are many benefits to pursuing such credentials.
Regardless of your personal position, it can be safely said that any business professional who has earned a professional designation is likely to be more competent than they were before attending the classes that entitled them to use such designations. The same can be said of those who earn college degrees, pass the bar or earn other professional certifications and designations.
Given this, those that earn the Elder Planning Counselor (EPC) designation arelikely to provide a better level of service than those who do not have these credentials.
Training and developing your elder client and prospect relationships will be the largest growth opportunity that you will receive by enrolling in the EPC Designation program.
Our specialized faculty will teach you about the many essential and timely topics that the 50+ populations say are the most relevant issues for them, as they become a significant part of the aging population. However, knowledge and the access to knowledge will not change an individual, regardless of what occupation they are in.
As an EPC, you will enjoy many benefits that will give you credibility and recognition.
THE INITIATIVE OFFERS YOU
The most comprehensive, up-to-date educational content available in the marketplace today.
Access to quality education from a company that is respected in the Financial Services Professional Development field.
Educational instruction and content from many nationally recognized qualified educators who are highly regarded in their fields.
The ability to achieve your EPC Designation through one of our partner Universities or Colleges. Currently Ashton College and Business Career College are offering the program with more being added.
Chapters that are relevant specifically to your professional practice, together with the flexibility to tailor your learning towards your specific career objectives.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
With the “LIVE” Classroom instruction as well as the Distance Learning program, you will have the freedom and choice to achieve the EPC designation in a method that suits you and your busy lifestyle or professional schedule. Continuing Education Credits are currently available for financial services Provincial Life, A&S and P&C License Renewals, CFP*,IIROC** and General License maintenance requirements.
* CFP Designation Verifiable CE credits - As per the below, these CE Credits could be used for any of the following – Financial Planning, Practice Management, Professional Responsibility, Product Knowledge or Giving Back as per the definition of each.
"We have reviewed the Guidelines for Providers of Continuing Education Programs from the Financial Planners Standards Council and have developed this program with these guidelines in mind.
Although we will provide the necessary verification of attendance, we understand it is up to the individual CFP licensee to determine whether completion/attendance at this seminar/program/course qualifies for CE credits."
**IIROC – Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (formerly the IDA)
Please see theIIROC websitefor information on CE credit requirements for the current cycle. Any CE credits earned from any provider may qualify for PD credits upon review ofthe individual member firms Compliance Department, as per the guidelines outlined by the IIROC. A request for certification/eligibility should be taken to individual member firms' education and compliance review officers.
CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
The Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies and its member Elder Planning Counselors stand for the highest of professional principles and standards regardless of their profession. This Code of Professional Ethics sets forth the minimum ethical conduct for all members. Voluntary compliance at the very highest levels is our expectation. The EPC designation is an earned privilege and CIEPS reserves the right to deny anyone membership for behavior it determines detrimental to its members and principles.
Elder Planning Counselors will at all times:
Place the needs, objectives and interests of their clients, customers, patients and prospects above their own at all times.
Protect their clients, customers, patients and prospects from unscrupulous business and professional activities.
Give clients, customers, patients and prospects the same advice and service they would expect themselves if the circumstances were the same.
Keep confidential all personal and business details of their clients’ affairs they become aware of during the program of their work.
Keep the quality of their recommendations high through continuing education and training.
Abide by the letter and spirit of the law or any applicable regulations or professional codes in all their business or professional activities.
Shield the CIEPS and fellow EPCs from dishonourby agreeing to immediate suspension of their membership if charged with an office of a criminal or civil nature or professional misconduct until a full review has been completed by the CIEPS Compliance Department.